Social Scene: Reception for new Swiss consul, Strive Center jazz brunch and Metairie Woman's Club party

Chris Granger / The Times-PicayuneRECEPTION FOR NEW SWISS CONSUL: Swiss Ambassador to the United States Urs Ziswiler, Alexandra Mora, Ulrich Hunn, John Geiser.

Southern hospitality was at its best when, to make Swiss Ambassador to the United States Urs Ziswiler feel at home, a flurry of snowflakes blanketed the area. The purpose of his visit, which found a social apex at a cocktail-reception in the Beauregard-Keyes House on Chartres Street, was to honor the departure of Swiss Honorary Consul John Geiser III and to welcome his successor, Alexandra Mora. Extending the invitation as well were Consul General of Switzerland in Atlanta Ulrich Hunn and his wife, Marie-Claire. The entertainment came from Swiss folk musicians and yodeler Tony Zgraggen, hailing from Wisconsin. The guests relished the exotic sounds of the Alpenhorns.

Following the remarks of Messrs. Ziswiler and Hunn, new honorary consul Alexandra Mora spoke, thanking her hosts, her family, and her husband, Walter Wolf III. And she promised to "vigorously represent Switzerland's interests in New Orleans."

Also on the agenda were remarks by Councilwoman Jackie Clarkson, who spoke about the Crescent City's international connections, and Michael Manjarris, director of Sculpture for New Orleans, who presented Swiss sculptors Beat Kriemler and Carlo Burgi to the gathering.

Further notables were Consul General of France Olivier Brochenin and Rina; respective honorary consuls of Japan and Austria in Donna Fraiche and Philip Lorio (with wife Kathy), who are, in turn, also busy with their daughters, debutante CoCo Fraiche and bride-to-be Elisabeth Lorio; and Scott Hutcheson from the office of the lieutenant governor. And, Thomas Glass, Claude and Mimi Schlesinger, Hugh and Sheila Collins, Dr. and Mrs. Antoine Ky, Catherine Mills, Michael Johnson and Victoria DeLisle, Lara White and Patrick Staves, Robert and Jean Stickney, John Desplas, Robert and Julie McLellan, and John Sullivan.

Munificence was to the festive fore when Metairie Woman's Club rallied its members and guests in the Lafreniere Park Foundation Room and, earlier that same Sunday, Strive Inc. held its annual Jive for Strive Brunch at The Foundry. This year the jazz brunch celebrated the life of Sister Mary Jeanne Girshefski, Strive's late executive director of 18 years, who was described as "always the champion of her clients."

Past presidents in attendance at MWC's bash -- which celebrated a successful recent benefit for the New Orleans Mission, Ozanam Inn, and Pennies for Bread at St. Joseph's Abbey -- were Mary Membreno with husband Gus (bearing a striking resemblance in another guise to Santa Claus), Irma Klein with Chris, Jane Livaudais with Al, Irene Rogillio with Fritz Heintz, Beverly Christina with Carlo, Marguerite Ricks with Charles, Ginger Crawford with Jerry, Beverly Watts, and Joan Demarest and Linda Gallagher, respective social and Christmas social chairwomen. With Elgin was current president Coleen P. Landry, who received the Lafreniere Park Person of the Year award as presented by the above Ginger. Tapped to succeed Coleen in the presidential post is Iona Myers.

Making additional rounds were Polly and Bob Thomas, who were celebrating four decades of marriage, as well as Pat Hanemann, Letty Jane Clark, Marcy Mayeaux, Jennie and Jim Bryant, Beverly Randazzo (recently welcoming a new grandson), June Prados, Marion LaCoste, Jerri and Burt Klein, Elsie Manos, Rita and Bubber Blessing, Melanie Rose, Carol Becklehimer, Verlee and Harold Mollere, Lorraine and Neal Pendleton, Gerry Martinolich, Jean McGovern, and Trish and Glenn Seale. To mention a few, who were Christmas charmed by one-man band Richard Smith, who rendered carols and favorite oldies.

The finale of the evening was the club's traditional sing-along to "God Bless America."

As was the Foundation Room, The Foundry was distinctively decorated with a nod to Noel at the Strive socializing, which raises funds for the nonprofit organization that affords "persons with mental retardation opportunities to develop to their fullest potential." Dee Fuchs and husband Fred teamed to make the wooden Christmas centerpieces, which sold out immediately. More reaching for the bucks came during the auction and Parade of Prizes.

Headlining the midday ado were Strive president Joe Molyneux with Cindy, treasurer Greg Faia with Tanya, and board members Beth Cook with Guy, Be-Be Adatto with Ken, Margaret Birtel with Frank, the Fuchses with son Peter, Margie Breeden with Pat, Denise (Mrs. Jerry) St. Pierre, Michael and Ingrid Garvey and their three daughters, Royann Avegno with Ashton, Todd McDonald, and Jan Wootan with son Wade and daughter Whitney.

Still others -- all savoring the bounty of brunch -- were JoAnn Tournillon, Maureen Coughlin, Phil and NooNee Brooks, Mary Ann Valentino, and Jane Goldring. The musical menu came via the Last Straws with Bobby McIntyre adding a seasonal "Ho, ho, ho!" after "Walking in a Winter Wonderland."

Columnist Nell Nolan can be reached at nnolan@timespicayune.com or at 504.826.3455.